This Mom-Approved Sink Protector Keeps Sinks Pristine

On my first day visiting my parents’ new home, I noticed what looked like a wire rack in the kitchen sink — only it wasn’t a straggling item left to hand-wash. My mom explained that after glimpsing a sink protector in her friends’ houses (and reflecting on the lived-in, scratched-up state of our former basin), she made it a priority to purchase the tool for the workstation she hoped to preserve for years to come. She ordered hers through her contractor, but I found Serene Valley’s line of sink protectors online that come in every size imaginable, including this one for $20 at Amazon.

Serene Valley Sink Protector

As the name suggests, a sink protector’s primary function is to safeguard the appliance from dents and scratches by providing a barrier between the bottom and anything you put in it, from pots and pans to flatware. The rubber “feet” elevate the sink grid about an inch, and there’s a hole for the drain. My mom loves that she can do the dishes without worrying about accidentally scuffing her sink in the process, appreciating the extra insurance it offers against the usual wear and tear over time — plus, the simple grid design looks sleek and understated. 

She’s discovered that a sink grid minimizes the build-up of gunk and grime by keeping dirty dishes off the bottom of the sink, all while allowing water to pass through. It also provides an impact-resistant surface that helps fragile items stay intact. You can even use it as a place to drain cartons of just-washed produce or drop a hot pot without scrambling for a trivet — or as an impromptu dish rack. 

It’s a breeze to clean, too. “Once in a while, I clean the rack with a sponge,” my mom says, “but for the most part [when you wash dishes] it kind of cleans itself.” Whenever there is any residue underneath the sink protector, she simply lifts it out and gives the bottom of the sink a quick rinse or gentle scrub. 

After using (and loving) my parents’ sink grid, I was thrilled to find a more affordable option for myself on Amazon. Serene Valley’s sink protectors boast a sturdy, durable stainless steel construction and include extra bumpers and rubber feet (in both clear and black). They come in dozens of different shapes, sizes, and drain placements: From large, rectangular ones with a rear drain to smaller grids with a rounded top to fit the sink’s curvature, there are nearly 100 options to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that fits your kitchen sink. The company provides a brief two-minute video on gauging drain location, corner radius, and sink bottom dimensions so you can order the correct grid for your space — it’s worth a watch before clicking “add to cart” to avoid the hassle of returns. 

I snagged this Serene Valley sink protector for my own apartment, and I couldn’t be happier with the much-needed upgrade (hand-washing dishes just got way less dreadful). You don’t need a brand-new sink to add this practical, foolproof tool to your kitchen — just get out the measuring tape and order yours, starting at under $20 at Amazon. 

Shop More Sink Tools at Amazon:

OXO Good Grips Stronghold Suction Sponge Holder 

Mucco 3-Piece Water-Absorbing Kitchen Sink Coaster Set 

Kontoyo Kitchen Sink Caddy 

OXO Good Grips Silicone Sink Strainer

Bellemain XXL Dish Mat